UHS 2025 Year-End Newletter July 2025

Excursions

Guest Artists

At AU Dance we are so grateful for the opportunity to work with professional working artists in a diverse range of genres who are so generous in sharing their extensive knowledge with our dancers. Here is a list of the incredible artists we worked with this year:

• Shannon Litzenberger & Aryana Malek: “World After Dark” repertoire
• Isaiah Peck: Hip Hop
• Jimmy “Chico” Vasquez from Dance & Culture: Hip Hop social history and foundations
• Jay Lomax: Indigenous Storytelling and Traditional Dance
• Alex Pollard: Jazz Funk
• Ryan Lee from CCDT: Contemporary
• Joanne Baker: Vernacular Jazz
• Mitchell Jackson from Intrepid: Commercial Jazz
• Jaya Srivastava: Bollywood Choreography for grade 9’s
• Madison Noon: Indigenous Contemporary piece for grade 10’s
• Andrew “Pyro” Chung: Hip Hop choreography for grade 11’s
• Joanne Baker: Vernacular Jazz choreography for grade 9’s
• Sarah Di Iorio: Contemporary choreography for grade 12’s
• Derek Virgo: Nutrition for high performance athletes workshop

We thank you for the immense support and for another wonderful year. Have a safe and enjoyable summer and see you in September!

English

This year, English students at UHS have taken bold steps as readers, writers, and thinkers, engaging with the world and each other through meaningful, creative, and critical literacy work.

Grade 9s laid the foundation by exploring how critical reading shapes everything, using the OBB model (On the Lines, Between the Lines, and Beyond the Lines) to build their ability to identify, infer, and connect with texts on multiple levels.

Grade 10s developed their writing voices through persuasive opinion pieces, making meaningful connections between personal experience and public discourse.

In Grade 11, students took inspiration from Thomas King’s reminder that “the truth about stories is that’s all we are,” using literature to explore how narratives shape identity, history, and culture.

Grade 12s brought their learning to a powerful culmination by using critical reading as a superpower to make sense of our rapidly changing world.

Across all grades, students also began to incorporate AI thoughtfully and intentionally into their English learning; not to replace thinking, but to amplify insight, creativity, and skill-building. Without a doubt, it’s been a transformative year of voice, vision, and growth in UHS English, and we look forward to the next one. Have a great summer!

English as a Second language

The ESL department has had an exciting 2024/25 school year, including two fun and interesting field trips and a special project marking the Year of the Snake.

Downtown Toronto Walking Tour

Our second annual trip to downtown Toronto was a huge success taking place over the course of two gorgeous sunny days. All ESL classes had an opportunity to tour on foot some key landmarks and neighbourhoods, including Kensington Market, Chinatown, Nathan Phillips Square, Sankofa Square and the Eaton Centre.

Sugarbush Tour

New this year: In the spring, students toured a local conservation area to learn about the process of making maple syrup and to enjoy some tasty sweet treats!

Family Studies

Hello UHS! Take a look at the exciting things happening in Family Studies this year! Our hands-on, real-world courses help students develop essential life skills while allowing them to showcase their creativity and personal flair in inspiring ways.

Grade 9 - Exploring Family Studies

Our Grade 9 students have been busy learning practical life skills to support their growing independence. They mastered basic cooking techniques by safely preparing delicious cookies and fajitas, and explored hand-sewing by creating their very own stuffies—a great way to express individuality. Along the way, they developed an understanding of healthy eating, smart consumer habits, and money management. Their knowledge came to life in the “Family Meal” project, where students planned a meal, shopped at No Frills on a $15 budget, and cooked a hearty dinner for four!

Grade 10 - Food and Nutrition

Students in the Grade 10 Food and Nutrition course—regardless of their cooking background—took on the “Meal at Home” challenge, planning, shopping for, and preparing a full meal from scratch for their families. From homemade pasta to restaurant-quality desserts, their creations were nothing short of impressive, and families couldn’t have been more proud. Both in-person and virtual learners also prepared an array of tasty dishes, including chocolate chip cookies, beef tacos, mini cheesecakes, and fluffy pancakes topped with real whipped cream. Yum!

Grade 11 - Food and Culture

Classes explored foods of the world and made dishes from Europe, Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, and Latin America. Chef Candace from Candace’s Catering joined us as a guest chef who spoke about her career, experiences, and heritage while making bison meatballs and strawberry juice with our grade 11s. Each semester, students embark on a global culinary journey, exploring and preparing iconic dishes from around the world—like Asian dumplings, European puff pastry and strudel, and African Shakshuka. Along the way, they learn about the cultural significance of each dish, as well as traditional tools, herbs, and spices used in different cuisines. Armed with this knowledge, students then channel their creativity into designing their own unique Food Truck concept. They bring their vision to life at our lively Food Truck Festival, where they showcase their themed truck, serve samples from their menu, and present insights about their featured culture and herb. It's a delicious celebration of learning, culture, and creativity!

Grade 12 - Nutrition and Health

Our Grade 12 students took a deep dive into the science of nutrition, exploring how our dietary needs evolve across the life cycle. Alongside gaining valuable knowledge about healthy eating habits, they also sharpened their culinary skills with hands-on practice throughout the course. For their culminating cooking projects, students prepared thoughtful, made-from-scratch dishes designed to be both delicious and nutrient-rich, each one crafted to spotlight a key nutrient and its role in overall health. Across all our food courses, students not only build essential life skills but also discover how cooking fosters connection to family, culture, and well-being. It’s a healthier, more economical way to live—and a truly rewarding one. Bravo, chefs!

Grade 12 - The World of Fashion

Students in this course worked very hard this semester, and together we explored the ‘Power of Fashion’. Many had never used a sewing machine, and in only a short period, students were sewing tote bags, zipper pouches, hoodies, pants, and skirts. Students explored the impact of fast fashion. They created a ‘Call to Action’ display that informed other UHS students how to make more ethical choices when enjoying fashion. The first-ever ‘clothing swap’ was organized to encourage sustainable practices. Their culminating task was a Fashion Design Challenge where they designed and created a full look from scratch and presented it to a panel of teachers and peers.

Grade 12 - Individuals and Families in Canada

Students in this course critically examined how agents of socialization—like family, peers, media, government, and school—shape our values and development. They explored individual growth, relationships, and the parent-child dynamic through discussion, analysis, and personal reflection. A deep dive into celebrity culture highlighted the media’s impact, while relationship and attraction theories sparked honest conversations about partner preferences. Finally, students identified traits of healthy and unhealthy relationships, gaining insights and tools to navigate adulthood with awareness and confidence.

Human Development throughout the Lifespan

Grade 12 This course offers a multidisciplinary approach to the study of human development throughout the life cycle, with particular emphasis on enhancing growth and development. Students examined how early brain and child development are linked to lifelong learning, health, and well-being, and followed this development through a critical analysis of the cognitive, physical, and socioemotional development unique to each stage of life. Key questions addressed through a variety of creative assignment mediums were: How do we physically change? How do we think/know? How do we act and interact? How do we differ? What factors can alter or impede development? A gallery walk of displays to learn about different theorists, applying knowledge of the parts of the brain to a particular celebrity, creating a PSA poster for pregnant mothers, and crafting a play for a day plan, is just some of the term work that allowed us to practice our research skills and delve deeper into development throughout the lifespan. Taking everything we’ve learned in class, the final culminating allowed students to create a research-driven board game, presented to and played by their peers, which aids in the physical, cognitive, and socio-emotional development of a specific age range.

Family studies wishes you all a great summer!

Geography

Grade 9 Geography

Throughout the school year grade 9 geographers have been working diligently on trying to imagine what Canada’s future will be in the year 2100. Students began by exploring the natural environment, unpacking Canada’s economic sectors, exploring demographic transitions; and finally urban planning of cities. Students showed great critical thinking in planning the future of Canadian cities and critically thinking to find solutions to climate related challenges.

Grade 12 World Issues

Senior geography students have been delving deep into the “Anthropocene”. This is the geological age being hotly debated as the current period we have entered; which is the age of humans. Students have been saddled with the task of exploring many university style academic journals and applying their learning to a multitude of projects over the semester: doodles, videos, presentations, dioramas, etc. The World Issues classes scoured the city of Markham for examples of the Anthropocene and presented their fascinating “Golden Spikes” in the UHS library. Congratulations to our 2025 graduates!

Guidance

Exam Tips and Strategies Workshop

Every fall, the Guidance department provides an exam preparation workshop for our students who need strategies and/or a refresher. This year we held full day workshops for all students in October. Come out next year and discover the best strategies for studying, learn how your brain works to achieve excellent results, and optimize your time to increase efficiency. Be sure to check out next year’s sessions!

Peer Tutoring

Throughout the year, Mr. Tam supports UHS students who need extra help in their courses by connecting them with a peer tutor. If students are interested in having a peer tutor or becoming a tutor, they can pick up the Peer Tutor flyer in the guidance office and fill out the required Google Form.

Mr. Tam will provide students with more information once they have completed the Google Form.

Many thanks to Mr. Tam for his continued efforts in assisting our students with their academic achievements.

Post-Secondary Information Fair

This year’s post-secondary information fair was hosted by Bill Crothers S.S. The event was a success with many students and over fifty colleges, universities and institutions in attendance. Save the date for next year’s post-secondary Information Fair, hosted by Markville Secondary School on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, from 6pm to 8pm.

Post-Secondary Financial Aid Presentation

Grade 12 students were invited to attend a post-secondary financial aid presentation provided by Seneca College. The presentation encompassed many aspects of financial planning including guidelines on how to apply to the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP). A big thank you to Ms. Riolo for organizing this very successful and well attended event!

Ontario College Fair

The Ontario College Fair took place in October. We were able to organize a field trip for UHS students to attend so they could ask specific questions and gather information about different Canadian college programs from recruitment/admissions representatives. For information about next year’s college fair, please see the end of this bulletin.

Course Selection Presentations

In February the Guidance team hosted grade specific assemblies and pop-up sessions during lunch to inform students about the course selection process.

Course selection for the 2026-2027 school year will take place in February 2026. If you have specific questions or need further support during that time, please book an appointment with your guidance counsellor next February.

Community Involvement Hours

The summer break is a great time for students to work on completing their Community Involvement hours. If you have completed community service hours and have not handed in your forms, no worries, hang onto them and we will accept them when school opens in the fall. Please remember to submit your volunteer sheets to Guidance for approval before you commence any activity.

Thank you Mr. Rafik for your efforts in updating the community involvement opportunities for our students.

Scholarship Information

The Guidance Department continues to share information on a weekly basis about various scholarships available for student to apply to. There is also preparation for their post-secondary studies through our Scholarship and Enrichment opportunities Google classroom. This spring, we presented information to our Grade 11's about preparing for post-secondary options and scholarships. Every fall, the Guidance department provides a more detailed scholarship presentation for graduates to help students prepare their applications. Students will learn about scholarship resources (including The Scholarship Report), tips for financing their education, types of scholarships, bursaries and awards, as well as the application process. A huge shout out goes to Mr. Rafik for updating our students with scholarship information and for assisting our students with their scholarship applications.

Student Success

The Student Success Department has had a great year of connecting with and supporting students!

From day-to-day, we worked with our students on completing academic tasks and developing strong study skills. We also worked collaboratively with our Child and Youth Worker, Ms. Roset, in supporting students’ mental, emotional, and social well-being. A big thank you to Ms. Choi and Ms. Roset for their incredible efforts in supporting our students this year.

Students know that Rooms 301 and 304 are spaces where there will always be a caring adult, a comfy place for them to work, and a snack (or two, or three). We look forward to another amazing year!

Dog Therapy

During the months of January and June, The St. John’s Ambulance Therapy Dogs visitations were a huge success! Our students had the opportunity to visit with these furry companions to de-stress at the end of our school year.

Thank you to Ms. Sukdeo, the Wellness Committee, as well as the student volunteers who helped to make these sessions a success!

Mental Health Presentations

The Central Mental Health Team at the York Region District School Board visited our school to deliver a presentation about the effects of screen time on our mental health. A class of grade 9 students were able to reflect on how their screen time impacts them and they were also provided with resiliency strategies to help them build healthy habits moving forward. Additionally, the Central Mental Health Team also visited one of our grade 12 classes to discuss Healthy Relationships and the impact that our relationships have on our mental health.

We are happy our students were able to engage in these important discussions!

We Are Communicating With You

The Guidance Department is always working hard to keep our students and parents in the loop! Important messages and updates will be on our school’s website, newsletters, and the weekly Parent/ Guardian Bulletin. Students can make an appointment with their alpha counsellor via Teach Assist.

Mental Health Resources

Your mental health is important! As the summer approaches it is important to mindful of your well-being and to take good care of yourself. Below are some mental health resources to assist your needs:

310-COPE: 905-310-COPE (2673) OR 1-855-310-COPE (2673) - AVAILABLE 24/7

KIDSHELPPHONE: 1-800-668-6868, TEXT 686868 - AVAILABLE 24/7

MINDYOURMIND MENTAL HEALTH HELPLINE : 1-866-531-2600 - AVAILABLE 24/7

FAMILY SERVICES OF YORK REGION 905-895-2371 OR 1-888-223- 3999

YORK HILLS CENTRE FOR CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILIES 905-503-9561

HONG FOOK MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION 416-493-4242

LESBIAN GAY BI TRANS YOUTH LINE 1-888-687-9689

BLACK YOUTH HELPLINE: 1-833-294-8650

TAIBU COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTRE: 416-644-3536

BOUNCEBACK is a free, guided self-help program that’s effective in helping people aged 15 and up who are experiencing mild-to-moderate anxiety or depression, or may be feeling low, stressed, worried, irritable or angry.

Want to Learn More about College and University Programs?

• The Ontario Universities’ Fair 2025
  • September 27 and 28, 9:30 am to 5pm
  • Metro Toronto Convention Centre – South Building
  • For more information about this event and virtual sessions, visit the OUFs website.
• The Ontario College Fair 2025
  • Date TBA
  • General information about college can be found on the Ontario Colleges website.

History and Social Science

It has been a fantastic year for the History and Social Sciences Department! We've taken learning beyond the classroom with exciting field trips to destinations like the Royal Ontario Museum, the Aga Khan Museum, the Superior Court of Ontario, and the Toronto International Film Festival, providing our students with unforgettable experiences. These immersive adventures have truly brought history and social sciences to life, sparking curiosity and a deeper appreciation for our world.

Our students have also demonstrated incredible passion and engagement through our dynamic clubs. The Mock Trial Club honed their legal prowess, the Model United Nations tackled global challenges with diplomacy and debate, and the Philosophy Club delved into profound questions about existence and knowledge. Additionally, our Civics program hosted a student vote program, offering students the invaluable opportunity to learn about democracy, government, and the electoral process, and even cast ballots for official candidates in a parallel election. These initiatives have not only enriched their understanding but also empowered them to become critical thinkers and active, informed citizens.

Here's to another year of exploration, discovery, and academic excellence!

Library Learning Commons

The Unionville High School Library Learning Commons (LLC) has had another busy and successful year supporting our school community. 

The LLC team has enjoyed working with teachers to support student research on a variety of topics. Some of this year’s most common database search terms included internet addiction, photography, Mars, online communities, and cliques. UHS students have a wide range of research interests!

Students continued to come to the Library for help not only with their research, but also to recharge and relax. The LLC’s puzzles, colouring and chess set continued to be popular offline activities. This year Lego was a new addition, which has been a great outlet for student creativity.

Of course UHS students love reading and they kept us busy signing out books. Some of this year’s most popular titles were Sunrise on the Reaping, Spy Family vol. 13, Games Untold, The Misewa Saga and the Invincible series. Authors Tahereh Mafi, Haruki Murakami, Ann Liang, Jason Reynolds, and Stephanie Garber also continue to be favourites of UHS students.

We are always looking for ways to make the LLC the best that it can be, so if students have not yet had a chance to complete our feedback survey, we invite them to do so now.

The UHS Library Learning Commons is available to support students throughout the summer both for research and reading for pleasure. All of the Library’s databases can be accessed through our website. Passwords are available through our Google Classroom, which students can join using the code dus2klz. The Globe and Mail subscription also remains available throughout the summer. Hundreds of great eBooks and audiobooks can be borrowed through Sora. Students sign in using 0 followed by their student number.

Wishing everyone a summer of relaxation and reading!

Music

This year has been truly special for our concerts. We kick started the year with AU Info Night, followed by Winter Fantasia, Spring Celebration, and Alchemy, at Flato Markham Theatre, String Theory at Apple Creek Church, and countless recitals and performances such as Jazz Arts Cafe in our UHS Atrium. A standout highlight was the milestone concert, "40 Years of Music", commemorating the Music Department’s 40th anniversary at UHS. This celebratory event brought together alumni from across the decades of different music disciplines, who returned to perform and honour the rich legacy of music at our school.

A few special performance shout-outs are in order. This year’s Showtime class delivered a hilarious knee-slapping production of Curtains by Rupert Holmes, with lyrics by Fred Ebb. Let’s just say, the Showtime performance was a “tough act to follow”. In addition, Sky Yang, a Grade 12 AU piano student, commissioned and dedicated a special choral piece entitled “Immortal Sails”, to Mr. Wriggs in honor of his final year at UHS before retirement. The piece was conducted by Sky Yang and premiered as a surprise during the second Spring Celebration concert—a heartfelt “thank you” for Mr. Wriggs’ years of dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the music program.

The year would not be complete without the many festivals and field trips that the UHS Music Department proudly participated in. This year, we brought the Grade 9 Concert Band, Grade 10 Symphonic Band, and Chamber Winds to the Ontario Band Association Festival. Our Chamber Choir, Jazz Choir, and Concert Choir performed at the Ontario Vocal Festival. The UHS Orchestra, AU Strings, and AU Piano students showcased their talents and skills at the Kiwanis Music Festival. Every ensemble performed exceptionally well, impressing both audiences and adjudicators with their technical skill and outstanding ensemble work.

This year was not only full of new musical memories and moments, as a department, we participated in spirit events at school and all joined together to build our Music Community and strengthen our department through music, laughs, and inclusivity. The AU Music students journeyed on to the Ontario Educational Leadership Camp for some team building, bonding over a campfire, and leadership activities that not only helped us build new friendships, but memorable moments.

Beyond competitions, we enriched our students’ experiences through special outings. The AU Strings class attended a Toronto Symphony Orchestra performance, while the AU Voice and Piano students visited the University of Toronto for a noontime concert and performance opportunity.

This year, we welcomed an exceptional group of special musical guests to join our ensembles and classes. These artists provided remarkable masterclasses and to work with the students to share their expertise, enhance their skills, and provide a new and fresh perspective on their music mastery. Students gained newfound and valuable ideas and feedback to refine their abilities and deepen their musical understanding. The musical guests were amongst the most prominent and renowned musicians within their musical field and genres, and it was an honour to have them join our classes and share their virtuosity with us.

Our special guests include esteemed members of the music community such as Johannes Debus, Darryl Edwards, the Ottawa Guitar Trio, Butter Quartet, Christopher Bagan, Peter Meechan, Michelyn Wright, James Campbell, to name a few.

Lastly, the music department would not be a cohesive and unified community without our teachers who continue to provide countless opportunities for our students to feel welcomed, encouraged, and included. A shout-out to the music teachers, Ms. Barazesh, Mr. Beckwith, Ms. Ho, Ms. Teh, and Mr. Wriggs who not only lead by example, but are committed and dedicated to the music community and students. Some memorable moments were their surprise teacher dance at the Music Retreat choreographed by Ms. Bettio, their participation at the Winter Assembly performing “Summer, Highland Falls”, Billy Joel, and many more moments that warm our hearts, and keep us laughing. Thank you, Ms. Barazesh, Mr. Beckwith, Ms. Ho, Ms. Teh, and Mr. Wriggs, for all that you do for the department.

Personalized Alternative Education

This year has been full of exciting opportunities for our students in the Department of Personalized Alternative Education. Our students had the opportunity to visit the Fields Institute of Mathematics at the University of Toronto for a hands-on workshop. The trip included a campus tour of U of T's St. George Campus, where students had the chance to immerse themselves in the world of post-secondary education and discover the possibilities ahead.

In addition to this enriching experience, our students are also taking charge of redesigning their learning environment. They've been collaborating to select new furniture for the classroom, making it a space that reflects their needs and fosters creativity and collaboration. We can’t wait to see their vision come to life next school year!

One of the most heartwarming developments has been the friendships blossoming between students from different grades. The bonds they’ve formed through shared experiences, like the field trip and classroom interactions, are truly special and create a sense of community that supports both personal and academic growth.

We also recognize the importance of supporting the mental health and well-being of our students. This year, we have placed a strong emphasis on creating an environment where students feel safe, heard, and understood. Through mindfulness practices, open conversations, and a focus on emotional resilience, we’re helping our students develop the skills they need to navigate both their academic and personal lives with confidence.

We are incredibly proud of all our students for their hard work, creativity, and enthusiasm. This is just the beginning, and we can’t wait to see where their journey takes them next!

Math

The Math Department at Unionville High School continues to be a pillar of excellence, fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and a deep love for mathematics. This year, we are proud to announce that UHS has been named the National Champion in the Fermat Mathematics Contest, hosted by the University of Waterloo. This incredible accomplishment reflects the passion of our students, the dedication of our teachers, and the culture of academic rigor we nurture at UHS.

In total, UHS students in Grades 9 through 12 wrote over 550 mathematics contests this year. These contests not only sharpen students’ problem-solving skills but also encourage them to explore mathematical concepts beyond the classroom. We are incredibly proud of every student who took on these challenges and demonstrated perseverance, curiosity, and excellence.

Certificates of Distinction were awarded to 165 UHS students for their outstanding performance. We would like to extend special congratulations to the students, who achieved the highest scores at UHS on their respective contests.

In addition to being National Champions, UHS was also the Regional and Provincial Champion in the Fermat Contest. This prestigious triple-title was made possible by the outstanding scores of our students.

Congratulations on this remarkable achievement!

Beyond contests, our students had the opportunity to participate in a range of enrichment activities throughout the year. In Semester 2, our Grade 9 STEM students, along with other Grade 9 Math classes, attended a financial literacy workshop led by Wealthsimple, as well as a statistics workshop hosted by York University.

These experiences helped students see the real-world relevance of mathematics and gain valuable insights into financial and data literacy.

Our students also explored future career pathways through the Level Up – Trade Career Fair, organized by the Ministry of Education. They engaged in hands-on learning experiences and connected with industry professionals who shared their expertise, helping students broaden their understanding of potential career opportunities involving math and technology.

As the year draws to a close, we extend heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to all graduating Math Club members who are moving on to post-secondary studies. A very special thank-you goes to our Math Club Executive Team for their incredible leadership. Your dedication, enthusiasm, and creativity have played a key role in making our Math Club a welcoming and engaging space for all members. Thank you for the countless hours spent planning activities and leading weekly meetings – your efforts are truly appreciated.

We are deeply grateful to the UHS Math Department teachers and our amazing student volunteers who helped organize and supervise Math Club meetings, After-School Math Help sessions, and contests throughout the year. Your teamwork and commitment have made a lasting impact on our students.

We are so proud of all that we have achieved together this year. Thank you to our students, staff, and community for making 2024–2025 such a successful and inspiring year for mathematics at UHS.

Wishing you all a wonderful summer and continued success.

Warm regards,

The UHS Math Department

Science

The Science Department had an outstanding year in 2024–2025, marked by innovation, collaboration, and student success. From engaging hands-on labs and research projects to cross-curricular initiatives and inclusive practices, our team worked hard to make science meaningful and accessible for all learners.

This year, we proudly hosted a successful STEM Expo that showcased incredible student innovation and creativity in booths, activities, and clubs, drawing enthusiastic participation from across all grades. We hope to see you next year at the STEM Expo 2026!

Students also took part in numerous field trips that connected classroom learning to real-world science, including visits to research labs at St. Michael's, the University of Waterloo, Ontario Tech University, Toronto Black Farmers, and environmental field sites.

A major highlight was having a student team being named a regional finalist for the 2025 Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Challenge, an inspiring achievement that reflects the talent and dedication within our school community.

Thank you to our incredible educators and students for making this a year to remember—we’re already excited for what’s ahead!

Special Education

Student Services

(Teachers: M Caufield, P Manners, J Porter, I Couto, A Cory, Z Zhou, B Serwaa, EA: J Suchoplas)

Our students have shown incredible growth and resilience throughout the school year. A key focus has been supporting them in developing a deeper understanding of their Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and building self-advocacy skills—essential tools for their transition to post-secondary education and future workplaces.

This year also marked the successful launch of our Comprehensive Class, and we’re excited to continue expanding the program next year to support even more learners. As we head into summer, we encourage our Special Education students to take a well-deserved break—unplug from screens, unwind, and recharge. We hope they return in the fall rested, refreshed, and ready for another great year. They’ve earned it!

Life Skills Class

(Teachers: A Boughtflower, K Major, EAs: C Calcagno-Raffaele , T Saravanapavan)

Another great year my friends! We participated in work placements at Cora’s Restaurant, McDonald’s restaurant and several in school work placements. Our students were once again featured in the YRDSB Special Edition Newsletter for excellence in their work placements. We enjoyed track and field, prom, cooking, robotics, No Frills shopping trips, Fallfest and Springfest. Additionally, we had a blast at weekly Kahoots competitions in our library. We are looking forward to seeing you all again in September! We will have a full house! Yay Life Skills Class!

Autism Spectrum Disorder Class

(Teachers: C Atletico, P Manners, EAs: S Selvarajah, S Simpson, K Tomy, T Saravanapavan)

It’s been a wonderful year! Our students enjoyed many fun and new activities such as planting, art projects, social games, community activities, work experience, cooking and collaborating with Mrs. Boughtflower’s class too. We had special trips to No Frills to gather ingredients and made many delicious recipes! Our students also had an amazing time with all of our friends at our Night At The Movies-Themed Prom, Fallfest, Springfest, McDonald’s, Robotics, Track & Field and our trip to Brooks Farms! Thank you to all of our incredible teachers, staff and students for a fantastic 2024/2025 year.

PEAK

(Teachers: J Parnell, EAs: L Troyer-Lee)

This year, our PEAK students and staff had the opportunity to explore valuable life skills, develop workplace abilities, and gain real-world experience across a variety of community job sites. It’s been a year full of growth, learning, and meaningful connections. We’re proud to share that many of our students will be graduating from the PEAK program next year and moving on to exciting new chapters, including employment and college programs. We wish them continued success in all their future endeavors! Looking ahead, the PEAK program will be transitioning into a new and exciting work experience initiative called Project Search. We’re excited about this change and the new opportunities it will bring for our students.

Graduating Special Education Students

Graduating students who are continuing onto Post Secondary in the fall should reach out to the Accessibility Services Departments at their respective Colleges and Universities, do not wait until the fall. Register now if they haven’t already, as they will need to submit paperwork and meet with staff in order to ensure they receive accommodations right away in the fall. The Transition Resource Guide website was shared with all students by their SERTs as it links directly to Accessibility Services at each Post Secondary Institutions.

Technology

As we wrap up another exciting academic year in Technological Studies, I’d like to take a moment to reflect on the remarkable learning, growth, and innovation that took place across our Communications, Engineering, and Tech Design courses at Unionville High School. Each course provided students with unique hands-on opportunities to explore the ever-evolving world of graphic design, video production, broadcasting, design, and engineering design.

Communications Technology - TGJ201

Students began the semester exploring the world of graphic design using Adobe Illustrator to create posters to advertise Tech Studies Programs. Students put their design skills to work to create some amazing posters.

Comm Tech Takes To The Skies

This year we added drones to our program. Students from Grade 9 to 12 learned how to fly our two types of drones and learned the art of arial photography and videography all while exploring the Canadian Aviation Regulations. Drones are aircraft—which makes you a pilot. When you fly your drone, you’re sharing the skies with other drones and aircraft. The students did an amazing job at mastering this new skill. Some even went on to obtain a drone licence from Transport Canada.

Building Creativity and Craftsmanship in TCJ Construction Courses

This year in our TCJ Construction Technology courses, students explored the art and science of woodworking through a variety of creative and innovative projects. Their journey began with a strong foundation in safe machine practices and an introduction to wood as a versatile building material. From there, students learned the fundamentals of technical drawing and project planning, preparing them to bring their ideas to life with precision and care.

Once confident with the basics, students were introduced to the breakout process—a key woodworking technique used to transform rough sawn lumber into square and parallel stock. With these skills in place, the possibilities became endless. From concept to creation, students had the freedom to design and build projects limited only by their imagination.

This semester’s culminating task challenged students to design and build a custom product that served a personal need or interest. The results were outstanding, with highlights including electric and box guitars, hand joinery projects, keepsake boxes, spice racks, flower pots, and a wide range of student-led creations. Thank you, UHS, for another exciting and inspiring year in the woodshop. We’re proud of everything our students have accomplished—and we can’t wait to see what you’ll build next September!

Exploring the Foundations - TEJ10

Our TEJ10 students were introduced to the exciting world of computer technology. We began with an exploration of the engineering design process, helping students understand how real-world problems are solved through careful planning, testing, and iteration. From there, we delved into the inner workings of computer hardware systems, laying the foundation for future studies in electronics and computing.

Students also learned about 3D design, basic electronics and breadboarding techniques, enabling them to bring their circuits to life through practical experimentation. The course introduced digital logic gates, giving students insight into how binary decisions form the backbone of computing. We concluded with a creative unit on Microbit programming, where students used code to interact with sensors and perform simple logic-based tasks, showcasing their ability to combine hardware and software in meaningful ways.

Intermediate Systems and Embedded Design - TEJ3M

In TEJ3M, students built upon prior knowledge to develop a more sophisticated understanding of computer systems, binary communication, and circuit design. The focus shifted toward building and programming embedded systems using Arduino microcontrollers, allowing students to control devices such as LEDs, sensors, and motors. They learned to design and construct reliable circuits using a variety of electronic components, reinforcing their skills in planning and troubleshooting.

One of the highlights of the year was the final project, where students designed and programmed a remote-controlled hobby car. This capstone task brought together elements of programming, electronics, and mechanical design. Students also explored career pathways in engineering and technology, providing valuable insight into how their skills can translate into future opportunities.

Advanced Applications and Real-World Integration - TEJ4M

Our senior TEJ4M students demonstrated exceptional creativity and technical ability as they took their learning to the next level. The course emphasized hands-on applications, with students designing and building a variety of digital electronic circuits, including flip-flops, latches, and sensor-triggered servo motor systems. These projects helped solidify their understanding of how electronic logic can drive complex behaviors.

Incorporating microcontrollers such as Arduino and embedded systems (SoC) such as Raspberry Pi, students engaged in real-world problem-solving by designing a final capstone project that interfaced with a practical, real-life applications. Projects ranged from automation systems to sensor-based environmental monitors — each showcasing a unique intersection of innovation and purpose.

Tech Design

The grade 10s have been working diligently on creating models out of foam core for their very own bachelor and studio Condo Designs! They put their newly developed drafting skills to the test by designing a space of their own, creating a scaled drawing to represent it as well as a CAD drawing on google SketchUp.

Grade 11 Tech Design students have been given specific layouts to use their critical thinking skills in order to design a condo that includes a variety of essentials. They have used manual drafting as well as Revit to create their designs and then utilized their skills to laser cut and engrave their models!

Grade 12s have accomplished quite a lot during their semester so far! They have been able to demonstrate the skills they gained from the grade 11 course to draft their own house, design a kitchen for a client of their choice and use the design process to create a Mobile Business Design!

Looking Ahead

We are incredibly proud of the progress and enthusiasm each student has brought to our technology labs this year. Whether learning foundational skills or solving real-world problems, our students have shown resilience, creativity, and an eagerness to learn. We look forward to continuing this journey of exploration and innovation next year. Have a safe and inspiring summer!

Grade 9 Technology and the Skilled Trades - Semester 2 Highlights

Students in TAS1O1 had a hands-on and dynamic semester as they explored the Engineering Design Process through a wide range of creative and technical projects. They kicked off the term by applying physics concepts to design protective devices for the classic Egg Drop Challenge. Building on these skills, students used SketchUp, technical sketching, and orthographic drawing to create cardboard pet play structures.

Throughout the semester, students gained experience with both hand and power tools while crafting modern wooden coat hooks, and explored digital design by creating 3D print models in SketchUp and custom pinback buttons in Adobe Illustrator. They also developed photography and drone imaging skills, editing their work in Adobe Lightroom.

The semester culminated in an exciting CO2 dragster car race, where students put their learning into motion—literally—by designing, building, and racing their own vehicles, showcasing their growing skills in technology, design, and the skilled trades.

(Ms. L Wong)

Visual Arts

Celebrating a Year of Creative Excellence, Community Engagement & Cultural Impact

Unionville High School’s Visual Arts Department is proud to present this year’s end-of-year newsletter, a celebration of creativity, community, and artistic achievement. As a longstanding cultural institution in Markham—alongside the Flato Markham Theatre, Markham Museum, and the Fred Varley Art Gallery— UHS may serve a different mandate, but we remain deeply committed to enriching the cultural fabric of our community through education and the arts. This year has been no exception, with our students making bold marks both in the studio and beyond. Below is a snapshot of key initiatives and activities our visual art students were engaged.

Shadows of Racism: Voices Unheard

Markham Civic Centre | Thursday, May 15, 2025

In partnership with Alpha Education and the City of Markham’s Race Relations Committee, YRDSB hosted Shadows of Racism: Voices Unheard—an impactful exhibition exploring identity, heritage, injustice, and belonging. Unionville High School joined 15 other schools in this collective call for equity and healing. Student artwork, inspired by three anti-racism workshops, gave voice to experiences often left unspoken and imagined futures rooted in justice and hope.

Black Girl Magic: Encaustic Expressions

As part of a pilot program to expand access to high-quality arts education, Grade 7 and 8 students from four local elementary schools attended four after-school workshops at UHS. Mentored by three Grade 12 Arts Unionville students, participants explored sketching, figure drawing, fused glass jewelry, and encaustic painting. The resulting works—radiant self-portraits—offered bold affirmations of identity and possibility. This program highlighted the brilliance of Black youth and the transformative power of mentorship and representation in the arts.

The Memory Project: Portraits Across Borders

Our Grade 10 Arts Unionville students extended their compassion globally through the Memory Project. This year, they created hand-painted watercolor portraits for 28 children in Malawi, offering personalized mementos to youth facing adversity. This act of connection and care through art serves as a powerful reminder that creativity can transcend borders and bring joy where it's most needed.

Medeba Winter Retreat

In February, AU Visual Arts students traveled north to Camp Medeba for a winter retreat focused on creative exploration and community-building. Amidst the snow-covered forests of Haliburton, students created encaustic paintings and fused glass artworks while also enjoying outdoor activities such as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. With warm and cozy cabin accommodations, this unique retreat was a joyful and rejuvenating start to second semester.

Chamber of the Red Thread - A Traveling Exhibit

Originally created for the 2024 Shadows of Racism initiative, The Chamber of the Red Thread has become a travelling exhibit of significant acclaim. From its debut at the Aga Khan Museum to its installation at the Asia Pacific Peace Museum, this immersive work—now on display at the Markham Museum for an 18-month run—continues to challenge, inspire, and provoke thoughtful dialogue around identity and memory.

Explore more about the Chamber of the Red Thread on the Visual Arts Department subpage.

Whispers to the Wild - Kortright Centre Installation

In celebration of Ontario’s rich biodiversity, our Grade 11 and 12 students created wildlife-inspired linocut prints installed along a forest trail at the Kortright Centre in Vaughan. The outdoor exhibition— Whispers to the Wild—features ten student prints mounted on wood panels accompanied by curated soundscapes. This powerful public artwork invites reflection on our relationship with local species and the pressing need to preserve natural habitats amidst climate change.

Pillars of Potential: 40th Anniversary Mural Project

To mark the 40th anniversary of Unionville High School, Grade 12 AU students transformed 12 of the school’s concrete pillars into bold and colorful murals. Each mural features student-designed symbols— eggs, stars, and wolf paws—representing potential, excellence, and school spirit. This initiative doubles as a legacy project and fundraising campaign, offering community members the chance to sponsor and embed personal motifs into the murals.

Special thanks to our sponsors: Joanne Yu, Anoosh Sharif, and Jeff Wrigglesworth.

Join the celebration: Learn how you can sponsor a mural and be part of this lasting legacy by visiting school cash online.

Visual Arts for Accessibility: Partnering with the City of Markham

The Visual Arts Department was honoured to be engaged by the City of Markham’s Markham Accessibility Advisory Committee (MAAC) to create original graphics for the City’s new Multi-Year Accessibility Plan (MYAP). This collaboration offered students the opportunity to contribute to meaningful civic work while promoting inclusion and accessibility through the lens of visual storytelling.

Mindfulness Dojo: A New Path to Student Wellness

This year, the Visual Arts Department launched the Mindfulness Dojo—a drop-in initiative supporting emotional regulation and performance under stress. Framed like high-performance mental training, students practiced breathing techniques (inspired by Kung Fu and tactical fields), energy-centering, and NASA-style visualization to sharpen focus and build resilience. With dedicated lunch and after-school sessions, the Dojo quickly became a haven for students navigating the high expectations of academic life.

Art In Action: Beyond the Classroom

This year, UHS visual arts students brought their talents to citywide events, public spaces, and interdisciplinary collaborations. From live paint battles at our Jazz Café art show to mural design partnerships and field-based art explorations, students practiced professional-level creativity with purpose. Their works not only beautify public space but ignite dialogue, celebrate heritage, and invite community connection.

Thank you to our staff, students, families, and community partners—thank you for making this year unforgettable. Your support continues to empower the next generation of creative leaders. Unionville High School remains a proud beacon of creative excellence in the Markham community, and we look forward to many more years of imagination, reflection, and transformation.

With Gratitude,

The Visual Arts Department